OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Several speakers asked for the Marion County Public School Board‘s support to continue and strengthen the Lake Weir High School Cambridge and Construction Academy program at the MCPS Board meeting on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
Meaningful investments have been made into the program this year, said Denise Alexander, Marion County Building Industry Association executive officer. Later this month, they will be hosting an interview session with their members and students of Lake Weir High School.
“We purchase materials and graduation gifts to recognize the students’ hard work at their awards night,” said Alexander. “These efforts reflect our commitment to providing students with hands-on real world learning experiences. One our major projects at Lake Weir High School has been the construction of a student-built deck, unfortunately progress was delayed as we awaited necessary approval. Despite this, the students are ready to move forward and all plans for the project are completed.”
Construction Academy has strong community support, said Alexander. The Marion County Building Industry Association, along with local suppliers, are prepared to donate materials and to help with the student-built deck. This partnership highlights the value of this program and the opportunities it creates for our students.
The Construction Academy creates a pathway to careers, certifications and lifelong skills. It connects students to industry professionals and prepares them for high-demand careers in the skilled trades. With the approval, the Construction Academy would be able to move forward with their project, where they would be able to fully utilize the donated resources and provide students with the hands-on experience they deserve, said Alexander.
“I’m here to ask you for your continued support for the construction academy,” said Alexander. “A program that is proudly supported by the Marion County Building Industry Association.”
Edward Cicc Ferrentino urged the board to expand construction-trained learning opportunities and require soft-trained skills for every student.
“Marion County has a booming construction demand, yet most graduates will leave school without a single trade skill, or the ability to show up on time, communicate clearly or solve problems,” said Ferrentino. “We need hands-on programs in carpentry, masonry, concrete, electrical, plumbing, HVAC and welding, starting in middle school, so students can earn the certifications and step into high-paying jobs straight after graduation, rather than locking them into a college-only path.”
Those programs are paired with mandatory soft skill classes, focusing on teamwork, work ethic, conflict resolution and professional communication, with those traits being what employers are saying that kids are lacking the most, said Ferrentino.
“This isn’t optional, it’s very urgent for our industry,” said Ferrentino. “Every student deserves a real path to success and not just a diploma. I ask you to expand trade labs, apprenticeships with local contractors and require a soft skills curriculum.”